Around a dozen Knitting Nannas from across NSW joined 100+ community members on the frontline of the climate crisis to stage a peaceful sit-in at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday 14th August.
We called for the Albanese government to urgently rule out more coal and gas projects by introducing a Climate Trigger into our environmental law.
People from the frontlines of the climate emergency had asked for meetings with the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and with the Minister for the Environment, Tanya Plibersek, earlier in the week but were refused.
At the one hour long + protest, we heard from First Nations Gurridyula, representative of Waddananggu, Pasifika Warrior, Jacynta Fa’amau (350.org), Karra Kinchela and Raymond (Bubbly) Weatherall representing the Gomeroi, as well as others including Chels Hood Withev Northern Rivers flood support worker, and Northern Rivers flood survivors and climate campaigners Gail Mensinga and David Rower.
Our “sit-in” storytelling circle in the foyer lasted around 25 minutes before we were individually ejected from the building by security and police. No arrests were made and good communication between the police and our legal observers allowed us to regroup at the entrance outside where we continued with storytelling. Eventually, we were “moved off” and met on the lawn where media interviews were conducted and a short debrief occurred.
No arrests were made although a couple of people reported being manhandled by House security. Participants were required to dress in formal and conservative clothing, no slogan gear etc. We were asked to maintain calm and polite behaviour – no shouting or swearing at police etc. It was tricky and uncomfortable for us more mature participants to get up from the floor unassisted but our discomfort only delayed security’s attempts to eject us, which was good for everyone. Some Nannas will know Nanna Julie Lyford, one of the events MC’s. Her ability to make decisions on the spot in a chaotic and tense environment was incredible and meant we were able to achieve our goals.
We made the Guardian, Sky News, News.com, Channel 10 and page 4 of the Australian! A fantastic story on the delegation was also syndicated on AAP across Canberra Times and more.
Congratulations to the people who coordinated this well organised event.